Want to know what's in store for musical theatre in 2018? Well look no further. Our friends at Musical Theatre Review have put together a month by month run-down of what to look forward to this year. Whether it's the next West End sensation, a cult classic playing on the fringe or a show that's touring near you, they've got you sorted!
We've put together a preview of the main article. For the full, comprehensive list, head to the original site HERE.
January:
ROTHSCHILD & SONS – Park Theatre, London
The UK premiere of the musical Rothschild & Sons will open the new season at the Park Theatre. Written by Broadway songwriters Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock (creators of Fiddler On the Roof, She Loves Me) and Tony-nominated writer Sherman Yellen, Rothschild & Sons traces the journey of the Rothschild family from humble beginnings in Germany to internationally successful banking dynasty. Directed by Jeffrey B. Moss, the re-imagined version of the show will include several newly added songs and will play Park200 from 24 January until 17 February.
February:
ALL OR NOTHING – Arts Theatre, London
Following a third sell-out tour, All Or Nothing – The Mod Musical, based on the story of the Small Faces, will play a limited West End season at the Arts Theatre, London from 6 February to 11 March, with a press night on 8 February. Written and directed by the award-winning actress Carol Harrison, All Or Nothing is the story of four charismatic young kids from East London with humour, attitude, passion and, above all, talent. They became the Small Faces and were rocketed into the big time, only to discover the path to success was paved with exploitation, betrayal and, ultimately, tragedy. The cast at the Arts Theatre will be led by Carol Harrison as Kay Marriott and Chris Simmons as the older Steve Marriott.
March:
CAROLINE OR CHANGE – Hampstead Theatre, London
Tony Kushner’s and Jeanine Tesori’s celebrated musical Caroline, or Change will transfer to the Hampstead Theatre, following its run at Chichester Festival Theatre with Sharon D Clarke reprising her role as Caroline Thibodeaux. Caroline, or Change, directed by Michael Longhurst, has book and lyrics by Tony Kushner, with music by Jeanine Tesori. The production will run
April:
TINA – Aldwych Theatre, London
Tina, a new musical based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner, opens at the Aldwych Theatre in April. Performances will begin on 21 March with press night on 17 April. Written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, Tina is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, with choreography by Anthony van Laast. Adrienne Warren, who plays the title role, will make her West End stage debut as Tina. Her most recent theatre credit was in Shuffle Along on Broadway. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith plays Ike Turner, with Madeline Appiah as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, and Jenny Fitzpatrick as the alternate Tina. Tina is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
May:
Chess, the epic musical love story set amidst the tensions of a world championship chess match, will play at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited five-week run from 26 April, with a press night on 1 May. The musical, written in 1984 by Abba songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice, will feature
June:
FUN HOME – The Young Vic, London
The Young Vic will host the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fun Home, by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, from 18 June to 1 September (press night is 27 June). Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel’s celebrated 2006 graphic novel, made its debut at The Public Theater, New York in October 2013, followed by a Broadway run that won five Tony Awards, and a successful US national tour. Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely complicated family – her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father – that connect with her in surprising new ways. Leading New York theatre director Sam Gold directs with a UK cast.
